On a hilly course through Greetland, Jon Sturman (ActivCycles-Fentimans RT) came home first after making a break early in the race.

There was a big crash in the opening stages of the race, which unfortunately eliminated Star Wheelers’ Paul Smith, but Buckingham steered clear of trouble to finish in eighth place, with John Doherty (VS Cycles) 10th.

Buckingham then travelled to Grantham for the GA Bennett Road Race.

Over a tough 112km course Buckingham performed well, staying with the leading group throughout and finished a respectable 13th behind race winner Jonathon Mozley (Madison.co.uk Cycling Team).

Buckingham once again got the better of Doherty (VS Cycles) who finished 14th.

Buckingham’s next test was the Blackburn Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious cycling events in the country and the starting line-up included Olympic gold medalIst, former Holme Valley Wheeler Ed Clancy, among the elite team riders.